Senior Trial Attorney

It’s a great time to join AAA The Auto Club Group!

Job Type: Full time
Exempt/Non Exempt:
Salary

This is a hybrid position reporting to our Detroit office 2 days a week.

Reports to:

Supervising Practice Leader

• Analyzes, files, reviews all allegations, and renders legal opinions to Claims personnel regarding evaluation and disposition of injury cases.
• Prepares responses to civil complaints, files and answers any appropriate motions when questions of law or liability are in dispute.
• Determines feasibility of, including third-party, defendants in pending suits.
• Conducts discovery, including but not limited to depositions, interrogatories, requests for admission, etc.
• Reviews insurance policy and all pertinent documents.
• Selects legal investigators and arranges for service of subpoenas and summonses.
• Files additional motions as facts of case and proper timing warrant.
• Reviews medical and related technical data; consults with medical and accident reconstruction specialists regarding injuries and disabilities.
• Analyzes information obtained through discovery and determines whether settlement is in best interests of insureds and the Company.
• Prepares uninsured/underinsured motorist cases for trial or arbitration hearings.
• Prepares and submits pre-trial statements; attends pre-trial hearings before judge and conducts jury selection.
• Responsible for handling cases involving bad faith, exemplary damages, and coverage issues that may expose the Company.
• Acts as co-counsel in high exposure litigation throughout the state.
• Handles catastrophic loss litigation or high exposure litigation across the state.

• Prepares case for trial, examining facts and developing trial strategy for construction of a strong defense.
• Conducts defense of a case by delivering opening statements, examining and cross‑examining witnesses, making and arguing motions, conferring with judges and attorneys, delivering closing arguments.
• Prepares trial briefs, encompassing the insured’s defense, applicable law, and jury instructions.
• Prepares summaries and appears before Case Evaluation Tribunal and/or Facilitator to advocate defendant’s case.
• Evaluates award and makes recommendation as to whether to accept or proceed to trial.
• Exercises discretion in discovery and motion practice, uses judgment in trial proceedings without substantial supervision.
• Acts as lead counsel for trials involving catastrophic loss litigation or high exposure litigation across the state.

• Keeps client advised of status of case in accordance with office guidelines and client satisfaction goals and consults with third-party clients regarding the litigation.
• Advises insured and recommends retention of independent counsel for potential “over‑limits” judgment to protect insured’s assets.
• Negotiates reasonable and equitable pre‑trial settlements on behalf of Company and insured, when and where possible.
• Applies cost/benefit considerations to all litigation activity.
• Advises payment of claims as appropriate.
• Coordinates trial or settlement activity with co‑counsel, as necessary, to protect interest of insured.
• Recommends appeals to the Appeals Committee based on facts of case and recovery chances.

• Renders legal advice and legal opinions as requested by Claims personnel on coverage, liability and damages.
• Conducts Examinations Under Oath in consultation with Practice Leader.
• Participates in the Claims Legal Counsel Program on a regular basis.
• Participates in one or more office committees, either as a standing or rotating member.
• Mentors less experienced attorneys on legal matters within areas of his/her expertise.
• Leads special litigation projects.
• Provides guidance to staff attorneys in the absence of the Supervising Practice Leader.

• Our Senior Trial Attorney will earn a competitive annual salary of $135,000 – $170,000 with annual bonus potential, based on performance.

• Excellent and comprehensive benefits packages are just…